Mamata government asks Election Commission to reconsider transfer orders of West Bengal officials

Hours after the Election Commission warned West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to cancel Lok Sabha elections, the state government has written to the poll panel urging it to reconsider its decision on transfer of five SPs and one DM. The Trinamool Congress also wrote to the panel seeking clarification on its transfer orders.

Reports suggested that the EC was examining letter seeking clarification on the transfer orders.

Earlier in the day, the Election Commission said that it could cancel the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal if the state government doesn’t comply with its order on transfer of the officials.

This comes after The Indian Express reported about the defiant stand of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Banerjee had on Monday had defied EC orders, saying she would “not remove a single officer” and was ready to face the consequences.

Mamata’s remarks came hours after the poll panel ordered the transfer of five superintendents of police and three district magistrates and additional district magistrates.

However, the TMC supremo challenged the EC saying, “I will not remove a single officer. Let the EC come and arrest me. I throw this challenge to the EC. I will put in my resignation… I want to see how the EC takes charge of the state’s law and order. I will not be responsible if Jangalmahal is on fire again. How can they transfer so many officers without consulting the state government.”